New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration has drawn criticism after the city released a searchable database identifying property owners who could potentially be affected by a new state tax targeting certain second homes.
The release includes thousands of property records tied to residences the city says may fall under a new surcharge for non-primary homes, including the names and addresses of property owners listed in the database.
The database was released as New York prepares to implement a new pied-à-terre tax, which would apply to certain non-primary residences in the city.
The policy was approved by Gov. Kathy Hochul and Albany Democrats after Mamdani pushed for additional revenue sources.
City officials have said the tax is intended to generate funding for public services, while critics have argued it could affect property values and discourage investment in an already expensive real estate market, according to LifeZette.
Mamdani highlighted the upcoming tax in a post on X, warning some property owners to “check your mailbox when you’re back in the five boroughs” because notification letters were being sent.
“The best city in the world deserves the best parks, libraries, and schools in the world. That’s only possible when we all pay our fair share,” Mamdani wrote.
The mayor has argued the tax will help provide additional funding for city priorities.
Opponents questioned whether publicly identifying individuals who may never owe the tax was an appropriate step.
Staten Island Council Minority Leader David Carr, whose own property appeared on the list, called the move “reckless and foolish,” saying some properties may not actually qualify and could later be removed after disputes.
Steven Fulop, president and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, described the publication of the information as “a mistake, and a dangerous precedent.”
Questions have also emerged over the accuracy of the database.
The New York Post reported that the list included properties that appeared inconsistent with the intended target of the tax, including homes in middle-class neighborhoods and a shopping center in Queens.
The Department of Finance said the list was required under state law and that it included properties that “may be subject” to the surcharge, adding that not every owner listed would necessarily receive a tax notice.
City Hall estimates the pied-à-terre tax could generate about $500 million annually, while Democratic City Comptroller Mark Levine’s office has projected the revenue could be closer to $340 million to $380 million and could decrease over time.
Critics have warned that higher taxes on property owners could encourage some residents and businesses to leave New York.
The controversy comes as Mamdani continues advancing a broader tax agenda.
The mayor previously threatened a 9.5 percent city property tax increase if Albany did not approve additional taxes targeting higher-income residents.
Critics have also pointed to Mamdani’s personal and family ties to Uganda, raising questions about overseas property holdings while he supports higher taxes on New York property owners.
Mamdani’s financial disclosure lists a property interest in Uganda, which critics have cited during debates over his tax policies.
The release of the database has intensified a broader dispute over how New York should balance revenue needs with concerns about cost and investment.
Supporters of the policy say additional revenue is needed to fund public services, while opponents argue expanding taxes on property owners could influence decisions by homeowners, buyers, and businesses considering New York real estate.
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